Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 24 October (BelTA) – The CIS remains an important platform for talks of the leaders of the post-Soviet states, Vitally Busko, deputy chairman of the permanent commission for international affairs of the House of Representatives, told reporters, BelTA learned.

“Given the economic, cultural and political ties between the post-Soviet countries, we should have the negotiation platform. How can it be the other way? Will the leaders get together on a bilateral basis? They would never be able to agree on anything in such a way. The CIS is a good platform to compare notes, to decide on what direction to take, how to integrate. It has not become outdated. In terms of political and integration processes this platform is absolutely necessary, because it is the opportunity for the heads of state to meet,” the MP said.

In addition, Vitaly Busko stressed: "The fact that today Minsk is hosting the heads of state is important. I believe that it is prestigious for the country. I think that the heads of state will be able to take decisions on some issues, including the future of the CIS.”

Commenting on reports by some media that, the Presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia are expected to take a decision on the accession of Armenia to the Troika, the MP noted that this news is no longer a surprise: “This news is not breaking any longer. It was really the breaking news when President of Armenia made a statement that the country intends to join.”

When asked about the absence of shared borders of Armenia with the Troika, Vitaly Busko said: "It will be a good precedent for the others. Today we really have no common borders. I think that we need to look into the issue more deeply. The Customs Union seems to imply a common border, but the matter is already about the Eurasian Economic Union. Now there are unions, associations, which members are on different continents.”